The Best Portable Solar Panels and Chargers of 2020
- VeteranShack
- Apr 2, 2020
- 3 min read
Need a hand choosing the best solar charger? After spending 9 years testing 58+ models, we know a thing or two about the contenders that offer up the highest performance. We've purchased 14 for our 2020 update, subjecting them to exhaustive side-by-side testing across a range of metrics, such as charging speed and weight. From 40W behemoths to panels with battery packs, we've had our hands on a wide variety, testing them while car camping, in the backcountry, and on the side of rock climbing walls. Our review is a culmination of our expertise, and we highlight budget-oriented models, special niche products, and the cream of the crop.
Best Overall Solar Charger
Weight:23.5 oz|Number of USB outlets:3 We love efficient solar chargers that give us the most output. That's why the BigBlue 28W receives our highest accolades once again. It features over 28-watts of power that'll charge small electronics fast and efficiently. With a built-in ammeter, you can track its output while it charges. Its simple design and the reasonable price tag is another reason we love this product so much. Its newest iteration features a USB-C port, meaning it can charge most Mac laptops. We appreciate this awesome new feature.
Unfortunately, as the name suggests, this panel is a bit bulky, weighing in at 23.5 ounces. As a result, it's better suited for frontcountry use. Aside from that, we can't think of anything else we don't like.
Best Bang for the Buck
Weight:12 oz |Number of USB outlets:2
Our latest winner of the Best Buy Award goes to the ECEEN 13W. This panel is simple and sleek and is the no-frills option for quick and easy charging in the backcountry. If you need a lightweight and portable panel that can be used anywhere and charge small gadgets quickly, the ECEEN is the panel for you. We were very impressed when we first plugged it into our external battery pack and watched as it charged almost as fast as panels that are double its size. All of this functionality is great, but when paired with a reasonable price tag, it was a no brainer!
The downside to this panel is its simplicity. Though we liked this design for portability, it fell short when it came to charging multiple devices at once and when trying to use the panel in marginal conditions. Thirteen watts is still a relatively small-sized panel, so for charging larger electronics or power-hungry gadgets, the ECEEN might not be the best choice.
Best for Durable Performance
The two proceeding award winners are more focused on performance than design. We wanted to highlight the BioLite 10+ for its durability and portability. Its rugged construction makes it incredibly reliable, as does its built-in battery pack. The battery regulates charge, so the panel works fairly well in sub-optimal charging conditions. We liked the kick-stand and fold-out design, as it's sleek and portable enough to fit into our backpacks on most missions.
The major downside to the BioLite is its price tag; this panel and its name-brand recognition come at a price. For us, its durability and overall performance outweigh the initial investment, but this could certainly be a hold-up for some. There are plenty of less-durable panels out there that will perform as well as the BioLite, but few can stand up to this panel in terms of overall design and construction.
Analysis and Test Results
Now more than ever, solar technology is growing in popularity. In this updated review, we have well-tested options representing a full spectrum of portable models. We include small to large options that range from 5W to 40W. Spending time in Yosemite Valley, this test period meant that we got to check out the latest in #vanlife solar setups. After looking over several options, we rated each on five important metrics. Whether you're checking out a set-up to put in your van, or a solar charger to power your iPhone while on a backpacking mission, our review offers great recommendations for anybody.
コメント